Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger—
the Air Force’s first-ever female four-star general—assumed command of Air Force Materiel Command during a June 5 ceremony at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Wolfenbarger replaced Gen. Donald Hoffman, who has led AFMC since November 2008. She received her fourth star prior to the change-of-command ceremony. Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, who presided over the ceremony, called Wolfenbarger “an extraordinary public servant and a model Air Force officer.” Schwartz said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and he “are entirely confident that she is up to the task of commanding this great organization.” Wolfenbarger credited the Air Force’s diversity efforts with her getting this opportunity. “This culture has been cultivated over many years, driven by leadership at every level who acknowledge and appreciate the value of contributions from every airman,” she said at the ceremony. Hoffman is retiring from the Air Force after 42 years of service, effective July 1. “Thanks to all of our airmen, it has been my good fortune to be part of the best Air Force in the world,” he said. (Wright-Patt report by Kim Dawley) (See also Wright-Patt report by Brian Brackens on Hoffman’s career.)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.